NT backs future Olympic stars with $150,000 boost for elite swim camps

The Northern Territory Government has announced a $150,000 funding boost for Swimming Australia to support a series of elite warm-weather training camps in Darwin, reinforcing the Territory's growing reputation as a high-performance sporting destination ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The initiative will bring elite swimmers and coaches to the Top End throughout May, while also creating opportunities for local athletes and generating economic benefits for the broader community.

Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls said Darwin's climate and facilities make it an ideal destination for high-performance training.

"These camps are a fantastic opportunity to showcase Darwin as a world-class warm-weather training destination ahead of Brisbane 2032," Mr Charls said.

"This investment is not only about elite performance, but also about inspiring local athletes, supporting our sporting community and strengthening the Territory's reputation on the national stage."

The funding will support Swimming Australia national squad camps involving athletes and coaches from St Peters Western, Miami Swimming Club and the Western Australian Institute of Sport. Training sessions will be held at the Parap and Casuarina swimming pools across May.

The camps will feature national champions and Dolphins representatives, while also providing engagement opportunities with local swimming clubs and Northern Territory Sports Academy athletes through a partnership between Swimming Australia, Swimming NT and the City of Darwin.

Swimming Australia head coach Rohan Taylor said Darwin continues to play an important role in the nation's preparation for major international events.

"Darwin continues to be an important training base for us on the green and gold runway towards the 2032 Games," Mr Taylor said.

He pointed to the team's preparation in Darwin ahead of the recent Singapore World Championships as an example of the Top End's value, with the Dolphins finishing on top of the combined medal tally across pool and open water events.

"The climate is perfect for our preparation, and Darwin's proximity to international markets is another major advantage," he said.

"This year's camps will help strengthen Darwin's position as a leading high-performance destination, while also giving us the chance to connect with the local community and inspire the next generation of swimmers."

Swimming Australia also signalled plans to expand its partnership with the Northern Territory Government and the City of Darwin, with a long-term vision to host annual training camps in Darwin through to 2032.

The initiative builds on the organisation's previous use of Darwin as a staging base ahead of international competitions in 2025, with increasing interest in the Territory as a year-round destination for elite athlete preparation.

Mr Charls said the government hopes more national sporting organisations will recognise the Territory as a preferred training location.

"Darwin offers unique training conditions, outstanding facilities and a welcoming community, and we want more national sporting organisations to recognise the Territory as a destination of choice," he said.

Beyond sport, the camps are expected to provide a boost to the local economy while highlighting the Territory's ability to host high-quality sporting programs and events.